Gift Guide 2013: Gifting and Giving Back

Your gift giving can have an even greater impact when you choose to pay it forward by bestowing your loved ones with items that benefit a reputable nonprofit organization. From kitsch to couture, a little intention goes a long way.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Drawing from the American theater community, BC/EFA has raised more than $225 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses since the nonprofit was founded in 1988. Your purchase will help fund a range of social service programs including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative and the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, among others.

"Broadway Bares: Backstage Pass"
Broadway Bares event creator and Executive Producer Jerry Mitchell's book features sizzling behind-the-scene photos, performance shots, and stunning studio stills of men and women from the Broadway stage who have been a part of this spectacular burlesque event over the years.
Hardcover, $30
Signed by Mr. Mitchell, $45

CLICK HERE to purchase.

More From BC/EFA

Broadway Legends: Julie Andrews
The latest in BC/EFA's annual Broadway Legends ornament series is the loverly Julie Andrews as the guttersnipe Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady." Draped in a navy blue shawl and wearing her artfully distressed apron and skirt, our violet-selling Cockney heroine dreams of a better life somewhere, "far away from the cold night air." This six-inch-tall glass ornament is the sixth in the series, created exclusively for BC/EFA by the renowned Christopher Radko Company.
$55

Broadway Cares Collection 2013 Snow Globe
Some of your favorite Broadway musical characters take a break from their shows to duke it out in a friendly snowball fight right in the middle of Times Square. A glittery white snow mound featuring the logos from more than 25 Broadway musicals makes up the base of this festive globe, created by Tony-nominated designer Beowulf Boritt.
$100

Check out the Broadway Cares online store for dozens more items to choose from.
http://broadwaycares.stores.yahoo.net

amfAR

amfAR has channeled more than $366 million into its mission to end the AIDS crisis since its founding in 1985 including grants to 2,000 research teams worldwide. Iconic brands like Kenneth Cole and Kiehl's have taken notice, creating specialty items and packaging to help raise funds.

In partnership with the Geneva Watch Group, Kenneth Cole New York has revealed the Powered by You watch, including a $25,000 donation to amfAR from sales. This chunky unisex showpiece features a stainless steel case, 21-jewel automatic movement and double AIDS ribbon insignia on back.
$250

CLICK HERE to purchase.

Discover more branded amfAR gifts at:
http://shop.amfar.org/

Human Rights Campaign

Founded in 1980 to advocate for equal rights on behalf of LGBT Americans, HRC has been working overtime with an astonishing task force of more than 1.5 million members nationwide.

The organization states, "Whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or a straight supporter, there's never been a more important time to show your support for equality by proudly wearing equality gear. Whenever and wherever you wear HRC merchandise, you say, without even speaking a word, that you believe all love is equal."

Sample items include:
Holiday T-shirt, $25
Campaign hoodie, $69
Trainer Track Jacket, $79.50

CLICK HERE to purchase.

Puppies Behind Bars

Granted, the name may remind you of an "Animal Planet" TV series gone awry, but Puppies Behind Bars' mission addresses a grim reality. The organization trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and explosive detection canines for law enforcement. Puppies enter prison at the age of eight weeks and live with their inmate puppy-raisers for approximately 20 months. As the puppies mature into well-loved, well-behaved dogs, their raisers learn what it means to contribute to society rather than take from it.

PBB programs bring the love and healing of dogs to hundreds of individuals every year. The dogs bring hope and pride to their raisers, and independence and security to those they serve.

Holiday cards, 2014 calendar and photography book are available at www.puppiesbehindbars.com
Price varies.

Tripit

Sometimes the best gift of all is one given to a stranger. Instead of grimacing and grinching your way through expiring frequent-flyer points, donate them to Make-A-Wish and give flight to more children wishing to travel.

Use Tripit Pro's Point Tracker to keep tabs on your miles and decide which to donate to Make-A-Wish. When you're ready to give, visit http://sf.wish.org/content/tripit